Warnings: OOCness, I guess. If you count Galbatorix and Shruikan in there. I mean, we don't know their personalities, so I decided to be different and make them different. Sort of. xD Erm. Yeah.

Language. Cursing involved. I seem to like cursing.

Violence. Don't like? Don't read. I like violence and action. I think that's it.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story. Well, I do own the made up characters, 'cause I made them up. X3 Everything else belongs to Christopher Paolini!

Italics Communicating through thoughts

'---' thinking

"---" Talking

Zorel

Chapter One

By: Huskeepup

People filed into the hall, making sure to bow their heads to the King who sat at the end of the table. The table was long, made up of thick, dark brown wood. It was polished and looked brand new. Golden goblets of wine were placed all around the table along with large dinner plates. The food had yet to be set upon the table.

The King of Alagaesia motioned for everyone to take their seats, and everyone did as they were told. It was a council meeting with the King's advisors. However, a man with crimson hair and eyes, with filed teeth as well, entered the room. A shade. He was not of the council, but he had the right to be there.

To the right of Galbatorix was a young boy. The age of 9, about. His eyes were silver, and his hair was white. An odd sight amongst the black and crimson colors of the hall. He was seated there because he was to learn the ways of the council.

The Shade approached the King and the boy, a smirk upon his face. "Good evening, Your Majesty." He said, his voice was even scary. "And Young Master, too." He sat across the table from the young boy, referred to as Young Master.

The boy made a small face, nose wrinkling a bit as he glared across the table at the Shade, who just smirked and stared back. Eventually though, the boy looked away. "Bastard."

The room silenced at the whispered curse towards the Shade, and Durza's smirk simply grew. "Have I offended you in some way, Young Master?"

The boy returned the glare to him. "Yeah, when you walked into the room." He hissed.

Zorel, I believe it to be wise to keep quiet, your father is getting mad. Came the voice of the all-too-familiar dragon, Shruikan.

Heeding the words of the Dragon, Zorel silenced himself as he remained that way throughout the meeting.

---

Bounding out of the hall, the 9 year old dashed towards one of the largest rooms in the castle. He pushed the heavy door open and then locked it shut. He smirked and ran forward, coming to a stop right near a black lump. "Shruikan!"

A large head picked itself off from the floor; charcoal colored eyes sparkled at the young boy. Zorel. He spoke, what is it, young one?

Zorel grinned, hugging the dragon about the maw. "Can we go flying today, Shruikan? Dad said it was up to you!" He cheered, sounding overly excited. "Well, if we stay near Uru Baen, that is."

Of course, hatchling. The mighty black dragon stood, picking up the boy by the cloak and setting him on his back. Strap yourself into the saddle. I couldn't bear to lose you. Shruikan said, crouching low again when the boy did as he was told. He sprang to the air, his huge, mighty bulk seeming to hover for a moment before he sped into the sky.

Zorel let out a whoop of joy, grinning from ear to ear as Shruikan soared through the clouds, casting a black shadow upon the floor below.

We can't fly for long, Zorr. Your father wants you back. Announced the dragon as he veered to the left and headed back towards the capital city. He spiraled to a land, and the boy jumped off once they did so.

"Shruikan! You're the best! That was so much fun!" He shouted, hugging the dragon's neck like there was no tomorrow.

Shruikan gave a snort. I'm glad, little one. Now go before your Father gets angry.

Zorel gave a nod then dashed off. He ran and ran, then finally skidded to a halt outside the King's Chambers.

No, Zorr. Your room. He's waiting for you in your room. Shruikan snickered.

Zorel blinked, then shrugged and headed towards his room, which was not far away, and opened the door. "Dad?" He blinked, walking in, then spotting his dad sitting on the edge of the bed and looking at a single picture. The one that was framed with him and Zorel.

The King looked over at Zorel, and then motioned for Zorel to get into bed.

The boy grinned and shot over to the bed, practically flying onto it. He plopped down, sitting criss-cross next to his father. "Hm?"

Galbatorix, the seemingly mad, insane, evil man, smiled at his son. He pushed the boy to the bed and tickled him, grinning as he did so. If there was anything in the world he'd show this side to, it was Shruikan and Zorel.

Zorel laughed, unable to stop as he tried to get his father to stop tickling him. By the time the tickling had stopped, Zorel lay there gasping for breath. He gave a huge grin, suited for a 9 year old. "Dad?"

"Hm?" asked the King, looking down at his son.

Zorel was silent, then, "Can you take me to the market, Dad? Please!? I've never been there with you!" He finally burst.

The King watched him for a moment, and then when his son used the dreaded puppy eyes trick, he gave up. "If nothing comes up, Zorr, then yes, I will. It's not a promise, though."

Zorel's face literally went from bright to extremely delighted. "Yes! Thanks Dad, thanks!" He latched onto Galbatorix and hugged him, then after a minute of that, he let go.

"Now, go get changed and get to bed, Zorel." His father ordered him, giving the boy a small kiss on the forehead before walking out of the room.

It was times like these Zorel hated the people who called his Dad an evil, twisted man. And it was times like these he wanted to literally kill anybody who did. He swung out of bed and took off his tunic, grabbing his baggy trousers and shirt and slipping them on. Then the boy slipped into bed and yawned tiredly. Night Shruikan! Tell Dad I said night! He chirped.

A moment passed, then, He says good night, little one, as do I. Sweet dreams.

Zorel grinned and curled up, closing his eyes to sink into sleep.

---

When the sun rose, the white-haired boy was up, staring out the window. Today was the day! He was going to the market with his father! He bounded out the door, already dressed. He dashed through the hallways, dodging soldiers who glanced at him oddly.

Silver eyes darted around the room when he reached it, not seeing his father upon the throne.

"Young master, I see you're in a rush." Came a hauntingly familiar voice.

Zorel yelped and turned around, blinking at him. "Uh huh. I'm looking for my Dad. He said he's taking me to the market!" He grinned.

"I see, how... wonderful." Durza replied. He continued into the throne room.

Zorel blinked, then ran around, hurriedly looking for his father.

After about 15 minutes of wandering the halls, Zorel finally took to asking Shruikan. Shruikan... Where's Dad? He asked.

Your Father is in the study. The black dragon replied, though he seemed to have just woken up.

Thanks Shruikan! The boy grinned, then bounded off to find his father. On the way, he ran into a familiar sight. "Murtagh!" He grinned, running over to the boy.

Murtagh cringed when he heard the voice of Zorel. Being the son of the King, he had to be careful around the boy. Even if he was the brightest, happiest kid in the empire who always smiled. "Hi Zorel." The 14 year old replied. He was 4 years older than Zorel. (And Eragon.)

"Hey Murtagh, want to come with me and my Dad to the market!?" He asked happily.

Murtagh held back a grimace. With the King, no way! "No thanks. I... I have something to do." He said, rubbing the back of his head.

Zorel's smile faded and he looked at the floor. "Oh, alright..." He sighed, then continued on his way, "I'll see you later, Murtagh!" He called behind him.

"Yeah, see you." Murtagh replied, continuing on his way to the kitchen.

Zorel heaved a sigh as he walked through the halls. Shruikan, I get the feeling Murtagh doesn't like me. Why does he avoid me?

Murtagh does not seem to like your Father, hatchling. Although his father was Morzan, he is nothing like his father and he dislikes Galbatorix. The black dragon responded.

Oh... Do you think we'll ever become friends?

You already are, little one. Although Murtagh doesn't act it, I can sense that he does like to be around you.

This made Zorel grin as he bounded to the study. He swung the doors open, grinning. "Dad!" He called, bounding over.

Galbatorix looked up from the desk and blinked when little arms were wrapped around his neck. "Zorr?" He questioned.

"You said you'd take me to the market!" He said, letting go of his father.

"Ah yes." Galbatorix nodded, standing up. He put a hand on Zorel's spikey white hair. "Shall we go?" He asked.

Zorel nodded furiously, "Yeah! Let's go!" He cheered, following the King out the door and towards the main gates.

About two minutes later, the pair emerged through the gates. Zorel stared towards the market, grinning happily. "Hey Dad, where do you want to go first!?"

"How about we just walk." The King replied, giving Zorel a little push to get him to walk. He followed next to his son.

Zorel darted ahead, skidding to a stop in front of a stand of weapons. He stared at one knife in particular. It was shaped and colored like a burning flame and the hilt was black. "Wow... Dad! Look at that one!" He pointed eagerly at the dagger.

Galbatorix walked over, hands behind his back. "Hm?"

"Y-Your Majesty!" The stand owner said eyes wide. The King in the market? That was a rare sight.

"Dad, can I get it? It's really cool looking!" Zorel piped,

"Sure, Zorr." Said the King, nodding to the merchant.

The merchant hurriedly took the dagger and handed it to the King.

Zorel gave a grin and shuffled in his pocket for the few gold coins he had left saving. He put them on the counter of the stand, looking absolutely delighted at the fact he had an awesome new dagger.

As the pair headed through the market, getting bows from everyone, Galbatorix handed the dagger- in its sheath- to Zorel. "Be careful with it."

"Alright!" Zorel said, belting the sheath onto his belt.

Galbatorix glanced to the right, "Zorel, don't wander off, I must take care of something in this house." He motioned to the right and then walked into the house.

Zorel nodded, then bounded over to a stand. He gawked at all the shiny objects. "What's that?" He pointed at a very sparkly trinket.

"Young Master!" The merchant gasped. "Why you don't know what this is?" He picked up the trinket. "This 'ere is a necklace. The pendant is said to contain magical powers." He explained.

Zorel gasped, "Woah! Can I look?" He proffered his hand.

"Of course, Young Master!" The merchant said, dropping it into Zorel's hand. "Try it on."

Zorel gave a nod then slipped on the necklace. It was almost like a diamond, though a bit more clear. But as the pendant touched Zorel's body, it became cloudy, then began turning into a deep crimson color. He gasped, eyes widening at the change. "What's this mean?!"

The merchant stared, "That, Young Master, is a bad omen. Keep the necklace..." He said, fear evident in his voice. He had never seen such a deep red before.

"But what if the color changes, how will I know what it means?" Asked Zorel.

"Here. Written on the parchment is the colors and what they mean." The merchant responded, handing it over. "Good day." He walked to the back of the stand.

Zorel blinked, then shrugged and moved on towards some more stands, totally forgetting what his father had told him. He stared at the pendant, not paying attention to where he was going. He carefully tucked the parchment into his tunic and then continued down the road.

Zorel, who had been half walking, half bouncing down the road, bumped into a gruff looking man. He yelped and fell backwards onto his rump. "I'm sorry!" He chirped, looking up.

The man glared down at him, "Why yo' 'ittle pest!" (Why you little pest!) He seemed drunk. The man lifted his booted foot and kicked Zorel in the side, gaining a yelp of pain from the young boy.

"Ouch!" Zorel grabbed his side, scrambling away from the man as fast as he could. A few onlookers didn't intend to help the son of the King. Zorel continued running and eventually, once far enough away, came to a stop. He glanced around. "Hey, where are the stands?" Realizing he wasn't in the market anymore, the boy began to panic a bit.

The place where he was seemed to be a bit run down. Windows were boarded up, some houses had weeds growing from them, there was garbage, beggars, and homeless everywhere. The sight was horrifying.

Little one? It was Shruikan. Zorel breathed a sigh of relief of the familiar voice. Hatchling, be careful. I've a bad feeling. You should head back to the market.

Zorel glanced around, backing up a bit. He gulped and turned to leave, only to be grabbed from behind. He did the only thing he could, he yelped for Shruikan.

Zorel! Came the cry of the black dragon, but then everything was lost, becoming black. Shrouded in darkness in which only consciousness could free him from.

----

Meh... Not my best. But I try. A little cliffhanger at the end there.

By the way, I've no idea how many chapters this will be etc... It's just an idea that's been nagging me for awhile. D

Also, not many originals are in this as of yet because it's... well, their childhood. I love reviews... The more the merrier! –Throws confetti-